The 2026 NFL Draft order as it stands, and the ideal prospect to address each team's biggest need

As the 2025 NFL regular season enters its final stretch, attention is already turning to the 2026 Draft and the teams that will be looking to rebuild or reinforce key areas of their rosters.

With records and remaining schedules varying widely, the draft order is shaping up to be as consequential as ever, with a mix of elite talent and high-upside college football prospects available.

From teams struggling to find a franchise quarterback to those seeking to protect and complement rising stars, the 2026 Draft promises to reshape the league landscape. Below, we break down each team’s record, needs, and potential top targets ahead of Week 11 as the draft order begins to take shape.

Please note that this was updated before the Patriots vs Jets TNF game, and will be updated again once every game in Week 11 is in the books.

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1. Tennessee Titans (1–8)

Strength of schedule: .623
Remaining SOS: .486 (22)
Needs: Edge, WR, IOL, CB, DL
Possible target: Rueben Bain, EDGE - Miami

Let's be clear. The Titans are very unlikely to be picking first overall. That honour will probably fall to the Jets after jettisoning so much talent on the trade deadline.

And even if the Titans were somehow in this spot, they would assuredly trade down with a team that wants a QB.

However, we're not reflecting potential trades in this order, so with Cam Ward on board, the Titans add the nation's best edge rusher in Bain.

The Miami star would fill a huge need for a team whose edge rushers have managed only 10 sacks in 2025. And Dre'Mont Jones, who had five of those, left on trade deadline day.

2. New Orleans Saints (2–8)

Strength of schedule: .627
Remaining SOS: .354 (31)
Needs: QB, WR, IOL, DL, CB
Possible target: Ty Simpson, QB - Alabama

The jury’s still out on Tyler Shough, but unless he strings together more games like last week, the chance to rip it down and rebuild from the floor up might be too tempting to ignore.

The choice was tough between Mendoza and Alabama's Ty Simpson. Dante Moore was also considered, but at this point, I consider him a fraction behind the top two.

3. New York Jets (2–8)

Strength of schedule: .543
Remaining SOS: .513 (15)
Needs: QB, WR, DT, CB, IOL
Possible target: Fernando Mendoza, QB - Indiana

With all of the draft capital they have, and if the Jets do find themselves outside of the top two, they're likely to move up to grab their guy unless they decide they're happy with whichever of the top three quarterbacks falls to them.

The question is - which guy would they want? Losing two former All-Pros creates voids at DT and CB, but they must surely start over with a new QB.

With Simpson already off my board, Mendoza is the clear choice.

4. New York Giants (2–8)

Strength of schedule: .551
Remaining SOS: .493 (19)
Needs: OL, CB, CB, WR
Possible target: Jordyn Tyson, WR - Arizona State

With Jermaine Eluemunor in a contract year, and likely to want more money than he's worth, it might be tempting to protect Jaxson Dart by taking Utah right tackle Spencer Fano.

But how could we pass up the opportunity to equip Dart with Tyson, pairing him with Nabers to form a potentially explosive wideout duo? We couldn't.

5. Cleveland Browns (2–7)

Strength of schedule: .515
Remaining SOS: .452 (28)
Needs: OL, QB, WR, CB
Possible target: Dante Moore, QB - Oregon

After passing on top QBs in 2025 – instead taking late-round swings on Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders – Cleveland seizes a generational talent in Dante Moore to stabilise the quarterback position for years to come.

Moore’s combination of arm talent, athleticism, and NFL-ready processing immediately makes him the centerpiece for a franchise eager to turn around its fortunes.

6. Las Vegas Raiders (2–7)

Strength of schedule: .557
Remaining SOS: .532 (10)
Needs: QB, CB, DI, WR, Edge, LB, OT
Possible target: Peter Woods, DT - Clemson

Another team with a need at QB, but again, there are no QBs within range of the pick. The Raiders would either need to trade ahead of the Jets, Browns or Saints, or move back and take someone like Sellers, Beck, or Mateer later.

That being the case, Peter Woods, Carnell Tate, and Makai Lemon look like solid picks with no obvious cornerbacks within range.

Tabbing Woods as the pick won't excite Raiders' fans in the same way as either of the wideouts, but it makes sense.

7. Miami Dolphins (3–7)

Strength of schedule: .526
Remaining SOS: .439 (30)
Needs: OL, QB, WR, G, CB, LB
Possible target: Spencer Fano, OT - Utah

The Dolphins have so many holes in their roster that they should probably trade back and fill as many needs as possible.

However, we don't do trades in this article. They'd surely have loved Dante Moore to fall to there here so that they could move on from Tua Tagovailoa, but, as things stand, the Browns got in there first.

So with all viable top-pick QBs off the board, the Dolphins go best player available and pick Fano, bolstering Tagovailoa's pass protection ahead of what will likely be a last-chance saloon season for the former Alabama quarterback.

8. Washington Commanders (3–7)

Strength of schedule: .500
Remaining SOS: .523 (12)
Needs: Edge, IOL, CB, LB
Possible target: David Bailey, EDGE - Texas Tech

Dorance Armstrong was playing his best football before the injury, and Jacob Martin has stepped up his game in the last month. Both are under contract beyond 2025.

However, neither has the upside of Bailey, who has been on a tear this year.

Corner was also a consideration here.

9. Cincinnati Bengals (3–6)

Strength of schedule: .541
Remaining SOS: .473 (24)
Needs: Edge, IOL, CB, S
Possible target: Caleb Downs, S - Ohio State

I was trying to avoid taking Downs within the top 10, but only because safeties typically don't go this high.

I'll make an exception in this case, because the pesky Commanders took Bailey, and Downs is otherworldly talented.

He'd slot in alongside Battle with Stone likely gone in the next free agency window.

Otherwise, with Hendrickson's future in the balance, a trade down to take Clemson edge T.J. Parker might be the best move. But they probably couldn't trade too far if that was their intention.

10. Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta Falcons)

Falcons' strength of Schedule: .565
Falcons' remaining SOS: .453 (27)
Rams’ needs: QB, IOL, CB, OT, CB, LB
Possible target: Francis Mauigoa, OT - Miami

For a team playing as well as they are, the Rams have several roster needs to address.

Stafford is playing at an elite level, but at 37, finding and grooming his successor should be a priority. If that's the plan, trading down from here would make sense.

Otherwise, addressing the tackle spot should be on the agenda. Mauigoa is the choice.

11. Arizona Cardinals (3–5)

Strength of schedule: .500
Remaining SOS: .562 (3)
Needs: OT, IOL, WR, RB, LB, DL, QB
Possible target: Carnell Tate, WR - Ohio State

This came down to a choice between Carnell Tate and Makai Lemon.

Even if we assume OT Jonah Williams continues to play as poorly as ever and leaves in free agency, we cannot pass over Tate for Lomu or Proctor. The Ohio State wideout is too good to miss out on.

12. Dallas Cowboys (3–5–1)

Strength of schedule: .493
Remaining SOS: .480 (23)
Needs: Edge, OT, CB, RB, S
Possible target: Jermod McCoy, CB - Tennessee

The Cowboys' secondary has been dreadful this year. They can either improve their pass rush or bring in help on the back end.

I believe Donovan Ezeiruaku will become a force on the edge, and while they need another pass rusher, finding more talent at CB is more important.

For all the heat DaRon Bland has been getting, Kaiir Elam is the bigger issue. McCoy would help to solve that problem.

13. Baltimore Ravens (4–5)

Strength of schedule: .515
Remaining SOS: .459 (26)
Needs: Edge, WR, IOL, DL, CB
Possible target: Makai Lemon, WR - USC

Assuming the Ravens bring back Isaiah Likely over Mark Andrews, we can ignore the TE spot - not that there were any within range of this pick anyway (even Oregon's Kenyon Sadiq would be a slight reach here).

Instead, we give Jackson a weapon to pair with Zay Flowers at wideout. Imagine what this offense could be with this duo?

14. Minnesota Vikings (4–5)

Strength of schedule: .530
Remaining SOS: .520 (13)
Needs: CB, LB, S, QB, WR
Possible target: Avieon Terrell, CB - Clemson

If things don't go to plan with McCarthy this year, they may be in the market for a QB. But it's too soon to declare QB anywhere near their biggest need yet. That may change when this article is updated in future weeks.

For now, let's take a corner and go Terrell - the top option left -marginally ahead of LSU's Mansoor Delane.

15. Houston Texans (4–5)

Strength of schedule: .597
Remaining SOS: .533 (11)
Needs: IOL, OT, RB, LB
Possible target: Arvell Reese, LB - Ohio State

It still feels way too early to be taking a linebacker, but after witnessing the impact Carson Schwesinger made for the Browns, and the early promise Jihaad Campbell has shown, at least one team will be tempted to take the best draft's best linebacker earlier than they might have otherwise.

Besides, Ohio State's Arvell Reese has upside as a situational pass rusher, which further adds to his appeal. In that sense, he's not dissimilar to Campbell in his skillset.

He would be an excellent addition to a linebacker unit that sorely needs upgrading. Henry To'oTo'o is not it, and E.J. Speed and Christian Harris are free agents next year.

16. Carolina Panthers (5–5)

Strength of schedule: .480
Remaining SOS: .569 (1)
Needs: IOL, WR, LB, QB, OT, EDGE
Possible target: Olaivavega Ioane, G - Penn State

The Panthers may be tempted to add insurance at QB, but the offensive line is more pressing, assuming Bryce Young continues to develop. Especially if Brady Christensen walks.

17. Kansas City Chiefs (5–4)

Strength of schedule: .507
Remaining SOS: .546 (8)
Needs: G, RB, Edge, WR, CB
Possible target: Kenyon Sadiq, TE - Oregon

Chris Bell was an option with Hollywood Brown and JuJu Smith-Schuster heading for freee agency. But with Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy in full flow, and Travis Kelce not getting any younger, Sadiq makes sense.

18. San Francisco 49ers (6–4)

Strength of schedule: .473
Remaining SOS: .492 (20)
Needs: IOL, CB, OT, TE, S, EDGE, WR
Possible target: Mansoor Delane, CB - LSU

The 49ers could go WR here, with several falling within range. But with Brandon Aiyuk back, and Jauan Jennings in the mix, the need at cornerback is greater.

19. Cleveland Browns (from Jacksonville Jaguars)

Jaguars' strength of Schedule: .529
Jaguars' remaining SOS: .500 (T-17)
Browns' needs: OL, QB, WR, CB
Possible target: Chris Bell, WR - Louisville

Jerry Jeudy might be a great route runner, but if you cannot catch, what good are you as a wide receiver?

Bell has the size and physicality to become a WR. He's far from the complete package, but who is at No.19?

20. Pittsburgh Steelers (5–4)

Strength of schedule: .530
Remaining SOS: .466 (25)
Needs: QB, WR, OT, CB, IOL, DL
Possible target: LaNorris Sellers, QB - South Carolina

Sellers will need time to develop improved accuracy and pocket presence, but as a raw prospect with incredible upside, some team will fall in love with him.

Perhaps Rodgers's strong form will change his mind about retiring and allow Norris to sit and learn. Otherwise, taking Sellers would mean the Steelers would need to bring in a bridge option. Flacco, perhaps?

21. Dallas Cowboys (from Green Bay Packers)

Packers' strength of Schedule: .434
Packers' remaining SOS: .541 (9)
Cowboys' needs: Edge, OT, CB, RB, S
Possible target: Jeremiyah Love, RB - Notre Dame

Will Love last this far? It seems unlikely. Ashton Jeanty had every right to go as early as he did last year, and Hampton looked like a solid pick at No.22 before he became injured, but perhaps teams will be frightened off by their lack of impact and revert to taking backs later.

I'm making a weak case, I know, and I'll probably change my mind in future weeks.

22. Chicago Bears (6–3)

Strength of schedule: .360
Remaining SOS: .554 (T-3)
Needs: Edge, LB, OT, DL, CB, RB
Possible target: Cashius Howell, EDGE - Texas A&M

Dayo Odeyingbo was terrible before getting injured, and Montez Sweat cannot do it all alone.

If Howell continues to play excellent football, he'll likely be drafted earlier than this. Check back in future weeks to see where he lands next.

23. Buffalo Bills (6–3)

Strength of schedule: .391
Remaining SOS: .507 (16)
Needs: LB, CB, S, Edge, S, IOL, WR
Possible target: Brandon Cisse, CB - South Carolina

I couldn't mock two linebackers in the first round, no matter how good the group behind Reese is.

Instead, I've gone with the next best corner in Cisse, who would add some much-needed talent to a mediocre Bills' cornerback group.

24. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6–3)

Strength of schedule: .470
Remaining SOS: .447 (29)
Needs: LB, Edge, TE, IOL
Possible target: Joshua Josephs, EDGE - Tennessee

Diaby needs help, and Josephs is marginally ahead of the rest of the edge rushers on my board.

Sonny Styles, Anthony Hill Jr., and C.J. Allen were all in the mix, but I promised myself not to take any of them in the first. Can I hold out? Depends on the next group of needs coming up.

25. Detroit Lions (6–3)

Strength of schedule: .508
Remaining SOS: .558 (T-5)
Needs: OT, Edge, CB, IOL, LB, S
Possible target: Keldric Faulk, EDGE - Auburn

Everyone's had enough of the Lions' feeble attempts to find a capable edge complement along from Aidan Hutchinson. Every year a different player pops up and plays well, only to disappear the next.

Let's finally address that problem here. 

26. Los Angeles Chargers (7–3)

Strength of schedule: .418
Remaining SOS: .539 (10)
Needs: Edge, DL, CB, IOL
Possible target: T.J. Parker, EDGE - Clemson

Mack is aging and will become a UFA next year. Oweh has started well, but he too is out of contract unless he's extended.

Parker's production has dipped this year, but he's still too good to pass up at this spot.

27. Los Angeles Rams (7–2)

Strength of Schedule: .471
Remaining SOS: .548 (T-5)
Rams’ Needs: QB, IOL, CB, OT, CB, LB
Possible target: Colton Hood, CB - Tennessee

We addressed the OT spot earlier; now, we turn our attention to the CB spot, where Roger McCreary, Cobie Durant, and Akhello Witherspoon are about to become free agents.

28. Denver Broncos (8–2)

Strength of schedule: .417
Remaining SOS: .500 (18)
Needs: LB, WR, IOL, TE
Possible target: Kadyn Proctor, OT - Alabama

Proctor's season got off to a terrible start, but he's been excellent since. The question is, can he also play right tackle? That's where he would be most needed on this Broncos' offensive line.

29. Seattle Seahawks (7–2)

Strength of schedule: .478
Remaining SOS: .547 (7)
Needs: CB, IOL, RB, S, LB
Possible target: Sonny Styles, LB - Ohio State

I had no intention of taking another linebacker after Reese in the first round, but as I look down my board at the players who can fill the Seahawks' needs, the cupboard is bare.

Ernest Jones has one linebacker spot locked up, but Tyrice Knight hasn't played well enough to lock down a full-time role, and Drake Thomas is set to hit free agency.

30. New York Jets (from Indianapolis Colts)

Colts' strength of schedule: .429
Colts' remaining SOS: .562 (T-2)
Jets' needs: QB, WR, DT, CB, IOL
Possible target: Zachariah Branch, WR - Georgia

The Jets need wide receiver help in the worst way. Branch would give them a speedster who can generate additional yards after the catch, pairing him with Mendoza (if my earlier pick was correct) and Garrett Wilson to form the start of a new-look, potentially dangerous offense.

31. Philadelphia Eagles (7–2)

Strength of schedule: .514
Remaining SOS: .487 (21)
Needs: Edge, TE, CB, WR, IOL
Possible target: Denzel Boston, WR - Washington

Boston is not only one of the best players available, but he'd be a huge addition to the Eagles' offense.

I can't shake how disgruntled A.J. Brown has been lately, and cannot imagine he'd remain with the team unless he saw a huge uptick in targets. That seems unlikely in Philly's run-first offense.

32. New England Patriots (9–2)

Strength of schedule: .355
Remaining SOS: .338 (32)
Needs: Edge, S, WR, OT
Possible target: Caleb Lomu, OT - Utah

If Lomu continues to play as he has, he won't last this far. A serious case could be made for one of the remaining edge rushers, but adding Lomu as Morgan Moses' long-term replacement would set Drake Maye up for years.